Got a pair of those wrap around earmuffs that the helmet straps keep in place. Wear a dickie for the neck and a rain helmet cover for when it really gets cold. Don't like having anything on my head as it sweats to much.

I got them in a "20% off, free ship over $49" sale that Nashbar frequently runs.

My helmet sucks in air that gets quite cool on the forehead, even on a 60 degree/humid day. The headband works perfectly to completely eliminate any cool feelings. They are all thin enough that my helmet easily adjusts enough to accommodate any two of them in combination.

YMMV.......I live in Georgia. The coldest temps that I have used them in was the low twenties.

I recently got a fleece lined stretchy cap at Target that fits under my helmet and covers my ears. So far it's been good on 50°F and cooler days, as it eliminates the cold spot where the helmet vent is. We'll see if it works as it gets colder, as I plan on the occasional winter ride.

Unless it is really cold and windy (like 0F and calm or 10F and really windy), I just wear a fleece earband. I tend to sweat too much (which in winter is your enemy) if I wear anything more. The band keeps my forehead and ears warm which are the areas that get cold on my head before anything else. FWIW, I have long hair, which acts as a windbreak under the helmet (just a standard "summer" helmet, btw).

When it starts heading into single digits and below, I may throw on my ski helmet (less venting), add a silkweight balaclava, or a neck gaiter. It is all a balance of temperature, wind, and heat production. I tend towards high in the last department, so my system may not work for you. But, if you think of the balance between wind blocking and insulation (they are different), then you should be able to arrive at a good solution.

Thin balaclava starting from a few days ago until we get near freezing weather when I'll add a second balaclava some days. Forgot it today and missed it, we're definitely now down to the temps here where I want it (below 50). Sometimes I'll wear the headband I usually wear the rest of the year to keep sweat out of my eyes as an additional wind shield if I find my forehead getting cold and I'm already wearing a thin balaclava.

Earbags
My head gets too sweaty with a headband or knit cap. I use a different helmet when the temp is close to freezing or lower, an old school Bell helmet with less ventilation than current helmets. I have a thin balaclava for use with motorsports helmets, e.g., in reserve if needed to block wind, but so far I've never had occasion to use it.

For wet but not super cold, I use a helmet cover since it keeps out the water and allows more air circulation. When it gets colder I have a runner's skullcap made out out arm warmer type fabric and worst case I have a hood for my Showers Pass jacket. If it's cold enough to need a balaclava, I'll wimp out and telecommute .

Have been wearing a Pearl Izumi skullcap that covers the ears for several years. Good for pretty cool to moderately cold temps. Pedal Pushers Online | Pearl Izumi Microsensor Skullcap
PI skullcap plus fleece gator for neck and lower face for moderately cold and lower temps. Balaclava and gator for quite cold.

I want to get a skullcap that seems like a winning solution. I just like to keep my ears warm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneO

Balaclava

i mostly wear a balaclava in colder temps. 50s and down. When it is the 40s I usually switch to my 661 dirt lid. it has less vents and works really well for cooler weather commuting. if it is warm in afternoon i will wear my halo and dirt lid and the vents do pretty cool up to low 70s.

I've been wearing a Halo skullcap since late Spring for sweat control, and let me tell you it works AWESOME!! I wear it down to the low 50's. Below that I use either a lined headband that covers the ears, or a lined skull cap that covers the ears. Once it gets down to the 30's and below I'll go to the balaclava. The one I got from a local outdoor Sportman's store is thin up top, with a thicker fleece area starting at the upper neck and going on down.

I have a cold weather cycling cap that goes under my helmet and covers my ears. I am seriously considering buying a Buff (Buff®Sports | Cold Weather | Cycling) for the different ways one can wear it and it looks easy to pull off your face if you get too warm